Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Improves Oncological Outcomes and Long-Term Survival Among Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In the USA, approximately half of newly diagnosed patients with GC are 75 years or older. The objective of the current population-based study was to investigate the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on the outcomes of elderly patients with locally advanced GC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients aged > 75 years were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The primary outcome of the study was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included lymph node (LN) harvest, surgical margin status, and 30-day mortality. To minimize the effect of selection bias on the assessed outcome between the two study groups (NAC versus no NAC), propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. RESULTS: After PSM, a total of 1958 patients were included in both groups. NAC utilization increased from 2013 to 2019 (21% versus 42.7%, ptrend < 0.001). On pathologic analysis, patients who received NAC were more likely to have ≥ 16 LNs evaluated (NAC 60.1% versus no NAC 55.5%, p = 0.044) and negative resection margins (NAC 88.6% versus no NAC 83%, p = 0.001). Patients who received NAC were also less likely to experience 30-day mortality following resection (NAC 4.1% versus no NAC 7.1%). Receipt of NAC was associated with improved 1-year (73.9% versus 68.3%), 3-year (48.2% versus 43.5%), and 5-year OS (36.9% versus 30.5%) compared with patients who underwent upfront surgery (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Receipt of NAC was associated with improved oncological outcomes among elderly patients undergoing resection for locally advanced GC.

Persistence of Poverty and its Impact on Surgical Care and Postoperative Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize the association between prolonged county-level poverty with postoperative outcomes. BACKGROUND: The impact of long-standing poverty on surgical outcomes remains ill-defined. METHODS: Patients who underwent lung resection, colectomy, coronary artery bypass graft, or lower extremity joint replacement were identified from Medicare Standard Analytical Files Database (2015-2017) and merged with data from the American Community Survey and the United States Department of Agriculture. Patients were categorized according to the duration of high poverty status from 1980 to 2015 [ie, never high poverty (NHP), persistent poverty (PP)]. Logistic regression was used to characterize the association between the duration of poverty and postoperative outcomes. Principal component and generalized structural equation modeling were used to assess the effect of mediators in the achievement of Textbook Outcomes (TO). RESULTS: Overall, 335,595 patients underwent lung resection (10.1%), colectomy (29.4%), coronary artery bypass graft (36.4%), or lower extremity joint replacement (24.2%). While 80.3% of patients lived in NHP, 4.4% resided in PP counties. Compared with NHP, patients residing in PP were at increased risk of serious postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR)=1.10, 95% CI: 1.05-1.15], 30-day readmission (OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.16), 30-day mortality (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.00-1.17), and higher expenditures (mean difference, $1010.0, 95% CI: 643.7-1376.4) (all P <0.05). Notably, PP was associated with lower odds of achieving TO (OR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.97, P <0.001); 65% of this effect was mediated by other social determinant factors. Minority patients were less likely to achieve TO (OR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.79-0.84, P <0.001), and the disparity persisted across all poverty categories. CONCLUSIONS: County-level poverty duration was associated with adverse postoperative outcomes and higher expenditures. These effects were mediated by various socioeconomic factors and were most pronounced among minority patients.

The Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Early-Stage Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma at High- Versus Low-Volume Facilities.

INTRODUCTION: While Medicaid Expansion (ME) has improved healthcare access, disparities in outcomes after volume-dependent surgical care persist. We sought to characterize the impact of ME on postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at high-volume (HVF) versus low-volume (LVF) facilities. METHODS: Patients who underwent resection for PDAC were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB; 2011-2018). HVF was defined as ≥20 resections/year. Patients were divided into pre- and post-ME cohorts, and the primary outcome was textbook oncologic outcomes (TOO). Difference-in-difference (DID) analysis was used to assess changes in TOO achievement among patients living in ME versus non-ME states. RESULTS: Among 33,764 patients who underwent resection of PDAC, 19.1% (n = 6461) were treated at HVF. Rates of TOO achievement were higher at HVF (HVF: 45.7% vs. LVF: 32.8%; p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, undergoing surgery at HVF was associated with higher odds of achieving TOO (odds ratio [OR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49-1.72) and improved overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.99]. Compared with patients living in non-ME states, individuals living in ME states were more likely to achieve TOO on adjusted DID analysis (5.4%, p = 0.041). Although rates of TOO achievement did not improve after ME at HVF (3.7%, p = 0.574), ME contributed to markedly higher rates of TOO among patients treated at LVF (6.7%, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Although outcomes for PDAC remain volume-dependent, ME has contributed to significant improvement in TOO achievement among patients treated at LVF. These data highlight the impact of ME on reducing disparities in surgical outcomes relative to site of care.

The Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Care.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of Medicaid expansion (ME) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, and heterogeneous effects on care processes may relate to sociodemographic factors. We sought to evaluate the association between ME and receipt of surgery in early-stage HCC. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with early-stage HCC between 40 and 64 years of age were identified from the National Cancer Database and divided into pre- (2004-2012) and post- (2015-2017) expansion cohorts. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of surgical treatment. Difference-in-difference (DID) analysis assessed changes in surgical treatment between patients living in ME and non-ME states. RESULTS: Among 19,745 patients, 12,220 (61.9%) were diagnosed before ME and 7525 (38.1%) after. Although overall utilization of surgery decreased after expansion (ME, pre-expansion: 62.2% versus post-expansion: 51.6%; non-ME, pre-expansion: 62.1% versus post-expansion: 50.8%, p < 0.001), this trend varied relative to insurance status. Notably, receipt of surgery increased among uninsured/Medicaid patients living in ME states after expansion (pre-expansion: 48.1%, post-expansion: 52.3%, p < 0.001). Moreover, treatment at academic or high-volume facilities increased the likelihood of undergoing surgery before expansion. After expansion, treatment at an academic facility and living in an ME state (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.54, p < 0.01) were predictors of surgical treatment. DID analysis demonstrated increased utilization of surgery for uninsured/Medicaid patients living in ME states relative to non-ME states (uninsured/Medicaid: 6.4%, p < 0.05), although no differences were noted among patients with other insurance statuses (overall: 0.7%, private: -2.0%, other: 0.3%, all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of ME heterogeneously impacted utilization of care in early-stage HCC. Notably, uninsured/Medicaid patients residing in ME states demonstrated increased utilization of surgical treatment after expansion.

Association of Minority-Serving Hospital Status with Post-Discharge Care Utilization and Expenditures in Gastrointestinal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Disparities in utilization of post-discharge care and overall expenditures may relate to site of care and race/ethnicity. We sought to define the impact of minority-serving hospitals (MSHs) on postoperative outcomes, discharge disposition, and overall expenditures associated with an episode of surgical care. METHODS: Patients who underwent resection for esophageal, colon, rectal, pancreatic, and liver cancer were identified from Medicare Standard Analytic Files (2013-2017). A MSH was defined as the top decile of facilities treating minority patients (Black and/or Hispanic). The impact of MSH on outcomes of interest was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and generalized linear regression models. Textbook outcome (TO) was defined as no postoperative complications, no prolonged length of stay, and no 90-day mortality or readmission. RESULTS: Among 113,263 patients, only a small subset of patients underwent surgery at MSHs (n = 4404, 3.9%). While 52.3% of patients achieved TO, rates were lower at MSHs (MSH: 47.2% vs. non-MSH: 52.5%; p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, receiving care at an MSH was associated with not achieving TO (odds ratio [OR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.87) and concomitantly higher odds of additional post-discharge care (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20). Patients treated at an MSH also had higher median post-discharge expenditures (MSH: $8400, interquartile range [IQR] $2300-$22,100 vs. non-MSH: $7000, IQR $2200-$17,900; p = 0.002). In fact, MSHs remained associated with a 11.05% (9.78-12.33%) increase in index expenditures and a 16.68% (11.44-22.17%) increase in post-discharge expenditures. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing surgery at a MSH were less likely to achieve a TO. Additionally, MSH status was associated with a higher likelihood of requiring post-discharge care and higher expenditures.

Disparities in NCCN Guideline-Compliant Care for Patients with Early-Stage Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma at Minority-Serving versus Non-Minority-Serving Hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Racial/ethnic disparities in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) outcomes may relate to receipt of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline-compliant care. We assessed the association between treatment at minority-serving hospitals (MSH) and receipt of NCCN-compliant care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent resection of early-stage PDAC between 2006 and 2019 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). MSH was defined as the top decile of facilities treating minority ethnicities (Black and/or Hispanic). Factors associated with receipt of NCCN-compliant care and its impact on overall survival (OS) were assessed. RESULTS: Among 44,873 patients who underwent resection of PDAC, most were treated at non-MSH (n = 42,571, 94.9%), while a smaller subset were treated at MSH (n = 2302, 5.1%). Patients treated at MSH were more likely to be at a younger median age (MSH 66 years versus non-MSH 67 years), Black or Hispanic (MSH 58.4% versus non-MSH 12.0%), and not insured (MSH 7.8% versus non-MSH 1.6%). While 71.7% (n = 31,182) of patients were compliant with NCCN care, guideline-compliant care was lower at MSH (MSH 62.5% versus non-MSH 72.2%). On multivariable analysis, receiving care at MSH was associated with not receiving guideline-compliant care [odds ratio (OR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53-0.74]. At non-MSH, non-white patients had lower odds of receiving guideline-compliant PDCA care (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.91). Failure to comply was associated with worse overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.50, 95% CI 1.46-1.54, all p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PDAC treated at MSH and minorities treated at non-MSH were less likely to receive NCCN-compliant care. Failure to comply with guideline-based PDAC treatment was associated with worse OS.

TBS-Based Preoperative Score to Predict Non-transplantable Recurrence and Identify Candidates for Upfront Resection Versus Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence following liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be as high as 50-70%. While salvage liver transplantation may be feasible, patients may develop a non-transplantable recurrence (NTR) (recurrence beyond Milan criteria). We sought to identify preoperative risk factors to predict NTR after resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent curative-intent LR for HCC were identified from a multi-institutional database. Preoperative factors associated with NTR were identified and a risk score model (NTR score) was developed and validated. RESULTS: Among 1620 patients, 842 (52.0%) developed recurrence; among patients with recurrence, NTR occurred in 341 (40.5%) with a median recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 30 months (24.7-35.3 months). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with NTR included alpha fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 ng/mL [hazard ratio (HR) 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-2.19], albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI) (referent low, medium ALBI: HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.10-1.81, high ALBI: HR 2.47, 95% CI 0.91-6.68), and tumor burden score (TBS) (referent low, high TBS: HR 2.55, 95% CI, 1.99-3.28). A simplified TBS-based NTR score was developed using the ß-coefficients of each factor (C-index 0.68, 95% CI 0.65-0.71). Higher NTR score was associated with incrementally worse 5-year RFS (low 44.8%, medium 37.5%, high 24.5%) [area under the curve (AUC) 0.59] and increased incidence of NTR (low 13.7%, medium 25.4%, high 38.2%) (AUC 0.65) (both p < 0.001). Moreover, higher NTR score was associated with higher risk of extrahepatic recurrence (low 11.3%, medium 28.8%, high 37.5%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NTR following curative-intent resection of HCC occurred in one in five patients. A simple TBS-based NTR score accurately predicted the risk of NTR and may help identify candidates for upfront resection versus transplantation.

Persistent poverty impacts access to minimally invasive surgery among patients with hepatopancreatobiliary cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been successfully adopted in hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancer, and has been associated with improved perioperative and comparable oncological outcomes. We sought to define the impact of county-level duration of poverty on access to MIS and clinical outcomes among patients with HPB cancer undergoing surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on patients diagnosed with HPB cancer were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data (2010-2016). County-level poverty data were obtained from the American Community Survey and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and categorized into three groups: never high poverty (NHP), intermittent high poverty (IHP), and persistent poverty (PP). Multivariable regression was used to assess the relationship between PP and MIS. RESULTS: Among 8098 patients, 82% (n = 664) resided in regions with NHP, 13.6% (n = 1104) resided in regions with IHP, and 4.4% (n = 350) resided in regions with PP. Median age at the diagnosis was 71 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 67-77). Patients from IHP and PP counties had lower odds of undergoing MIS (IHP/PP vs. NHP, odds ratio [OR]: 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-0.96, p = 0.034) and being discharged home (IHP/PP vs. NHP, OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43-0.99, p = 0.043), as well as a higher risk of 1-year mortality (IHP/PP vs. NHP, HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.036-2.209, p = 0.032) compared with patients residing in NHP counties. CONCLUSIONS: Duration of county-level poverty was associated with lower receipt of MIS and unfavorable clinical and survival outcomes among patients with HPB cancer. There is a need to improve access to modern surgical treatment options among vulnerable, PP populations.

TAC score better predicts survival than the BCLC following resection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still exists within the Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) subcategories. We developed a simple model to better discriminate and predict prognosis following resection. METHODS: Patients who underwent curative-intent resection for HCC were identified from a multi-institutional database. Predictive factors of survival were identified to develop TAC (tumor burden score [TBS], alpha-fetoprotein [AFP], Child-Pugh CP]) score. RESULTS: Among 1435 patients, median TBS was 5.1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.2-8.1), median AFP was 18.3 ng/ml (IQR 4.0-362.5), and 1391 (96.9%) patients were classified as CP-A. Factors associated with overall survival (OS) included TBS (low: referent; medium: HR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.73-2.96; high: HR = 3.35, 95% CI: 2.22-5.07), AFP (<400 ng/ml: referent; >400 ng/ml: HR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.27-1.92), and CP (A: referent; B: HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.12-2.92) (all p < 0.05). A simplified risk score demonstrated superior concordance index, Akaike information criteria, homogeneity, and area under the curve versus BCLC (0.620 vs. 0.541; 5484.655 vs. 5536.454; 60.099 vs. 16.194; 0.62 vs. 0.55, respectively), and further stratified patients within BCLC groups relative to OS (BCLC 0, very low: 86.8%, low: 47.8%) (BCLC A, very low: 79.7%, low: 68.1%, medium: 52.5%, high: 35.6%) (BCLC B, low: 59.8%, medium: 43.7%, high: N/A). CONCLUSION: TAC is a simple, holistic score that consistently outperformed BCLC relative to discrimination power and prognostication following resection of HCC.

Machine-Based Learning Hierarchical Cluster Analysis: Sex-Based Differences in Prognosis Following Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may have a heterogeneous presentation, as well as different long-term outcomes following surgical resection. We sought to use machine learning to cluster patients into different prognostic groups based on preoperative characteristics. METHODS: Patients who underwent curative-intent liver resection for HCC between 2000 and 2020 were identified from a large international multi-institutional database. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed based on preoperative factors to characterize patterns of presentation and define disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Among 966 with HCC, 3 distinct clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (n = 160, 16.5%), Cluster 2 (n = 537, 55.6%) and Cluster 3 (n = 269, 27.8%). Cluster 1 (n = 160, 16.5%) consisted of female patients (n = 160, 100%), low inflammation-based scores, intermediate tumor burden score (TBS) (median: 4.71) and high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (median 41.3 ng/mL); Cluster 2 consisted of male individuals (n = 537, 100%), mainly with a history of HBV infection (n = 429, 79.9%), low inflammation-based scores, intermediate AFP levels (median 26.0 ng/mL) and lower TBS (median 4.49); Cluster 3 was comprised of older patients (median age 68 years) predominantly male (n = 248, 92.2%) who had low incidence of HBV/HCV infection (7.1% and 8.2%, respectively), intermediate AFP levels (median 16.8 ng/mL), high inflammation-based scores and high TBS (median 6.58). Median DFS worsened incrementally among the three different clusters with Cluster 3 having the lowest DFS (Cluster 1: median not reached; Cluster 2: 34 months, 95% CI 23.0-48.0, Cluster 3: 19 months, 95% CI 15.0-29.0, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cluster analysis classified HCC patients into three distinct prognostic groups. Cluster assignment predicted DFS following resection of HCC with the female cluster having the most favorable prognosis following HCC resection.

A mandibular advancement device associated with lingual control: a new treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea?

PURPOSE: Oral appliances (OA) have become the main alternative to positive pressure airway devices (PAP) for the control of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite literature support, controversies about the mode of action and the effectiveness of these devices persist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of modified mandibular advancement devices (MAD) in patients with OSA who failed treatment with MAD and to evaluate the role of the tongue as a factor in patients who failed treatment with MAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients unable to control the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using a MAD were subsequently treated with a modified version that included a tongue trimming accessory. The objective was to stabilize the tongue by preventing it from sliding with the consequent collapse of the upper airway (UA). New polysomnography (PSG) was performed with the modified MAD in place. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients who failed MAD therapy were studied including 15 men (75%) with mean age (± standard deviation) of 58.5 ± 13.1 years and BMI 29.6 ± 5.0 Kg/m2. After installing the tongue trimmer, the number of patients who achieved complete success with the new MAD (AHI < 5) went from 0 to 30% and those who achieved partial success (5 < AHI < 10) went from 0 to 20%. The number of patient responders (AHI reduced by at least 50%) went from 20 to 75%. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the tongue, even in the presence of a MAD, may be one of the contributing factors for the collapse of the UA and consequent device ineffectiveness. By stabilizing the tongue through the insertion of a tongue trimmer, the MAD became more effective in many cases.

Application of hazard functions to investigate recurrence after curative-intent resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Defining patterns and risk of recurrence can help inform surveillance strategies and patient counselling. We sought to characterize peak hazard rates (pHR) and peak time of recurrence among patients who underwent resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: 1434 patients who underwent curative-intent resection of HCC were identified from a multi-institutional database. Hazard, patterns, and peak rates of recurrence were characterized. RESULTS: The overall hazard of recurrence peaked at 2.4 months (pHR: 0.0384), yet varied markedly. The incidence of recurrence increased with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 (29%), A (54%), and B (64%). While the hazard function curve for BCLC 0 patients was relatively flat (pHR: <0.0177), BCLC A patients recurred with a peak at 2.4 months (pHR: 0.0365). Patients with BCLC B had a bimodal recurrence with a peak rate at 4.2 months (pHR: 0.0565) and another at 22.8 months. The incidence of recurrence also varied according to AFP level (≤400 ng/mL: 52.6% vs. >400 ng/mL: 36.3%) and Tumor Burden Score (low: 73.7% vs. medium: 50.6% vs. high: 24.2%) (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recurrence hazard rates for HCC varied substantially relative to both time and intensity/peak rates. TBS and AFP markedly impacted patterns of hazard risk of recurrence.

Schistosome-induced cholangiocyte proliferation and osteopontin secretion correlate with fibrosis and portal hypertension in human and murine schistosomiasis mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a major cause of portal hypertension worldwide. It associates with portal fibrosis that develops during chronic infection. The mechanisms by which the pathogen evokes these host responses remain unclear. We evaluated the hypothesis that schistosome eggs release factors that directly stimulate liver cells to produce osteopontin (OPN), a pro-fibrogenic protein that stimulates hepatic stellate cells to become myofibroblasts. We also investigated the utility of OPN as a biomarker of fibrosis and/or severity of portal hypertension. Cultured cholangiocytes, Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells were treated with soluble egg antigen (SEA); OPN production was quantified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR) and ELISA; cell proliferation was assessed by BrdU (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine). Mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni for 6 or 16 weeks to cause early or advanced fibrosis. Liver OPN was evaluated by qRTPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlated with liver fibrosis and serum OPN. Livers from patients with schistosomiasis mansoni (early fibrosis n=15; advanced fibrosis n=72) or healthy adults (n=22) were immunostained for OPN and fibrosis markers. Results were correlated with plasma OPN levels and splenic vein pressures. SEA-induced cholangiocyte proliferation and OPN secretion (P<0.001 compared with controls). Cholangiocytes were OPN (+) in Schistosoma-infected mice and humans. Liver and serum OPN levels correlated with fibrosis stage (mice: r=0.861; human r=0.672, P=0.0001) and myofibroblast accumulation (mice: r=0.800; human: r=0.761, P=0.0001). Numbers of OPN (+) bile ductules strongly correlated with splenic vein pressure (r=0.778; P=0.001). S. mansoni egg antigens stimulate cholangiocyte proliferation and OPN secretion. OPN levels in liver and blood correlate with fibrosis stage and portal hypertension severity.

Care fragmentation in hepatopancreatic surgery and postoperative outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Practice fragmentation in surgery may be associated with poor quality of care. We sought to define the association between fragmented practice and outcomes in hepatopancreatic surgery relative to surgeon volume and sex. METHODS: Medicare beneficiaries who underwent hepatopancreatic surgery between 2016 and 2021 were identified. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine provider sex-based differences in the rate of fragmented practice relative to the achievement of a textbook outcome and health care expenditures after adjusting for procedure-specific case volume. RESULTS: Among 37,416 patients, almost one-half were female (n = 18,333, 49.0%) with the majority treated by male surgeons (n = 33,697, 90.8%). Female surgeons were more likely to have a greater rate of fragmented practice (females: n = 242, 84.9% vs males: n = 1,487, 78.4%, P = .003; odds ratio 2.66, 95% confidence interval 2.33-3.03, P < .001). Patients treated by high rate of fragmented practice surgeons had increased odds of postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.28-1.54), extended length-of-stay (odds ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.38-1.68), 90-day-mortality (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.28-1.72), and lower odds of achieving a textbook outcome (odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.83). This association persisted independent of surgeon-specific volume (textbook outcome, high vs low rate of fragmented practice: high-volume surgeon, odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.91, P = .021 vs. low-volume surgeon, odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.69-0.82, P < .001). Among patients treated by male surgeons, a high rate of fragmented practice was associated with reduced odds of achieving a textbook outcome (male surgeons: odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.70-0.82, P < .001; female surgeons: odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.63-1.05, P = .110). Treatment by surgeons with higher fragmented practice was associated with higher expenditures (index expenditure: percentage difference 9.87, 95% confidence interval, 7.42-12.36; P < .05). CONCLUSION: A high rate of fragmented practice adversely affected postoperative outcomes and healthcare expenditures even among high-volume surgeons with the impact varying based on surgeon sex.

Medicaid expansion and palliative care for advanced-stage liver cancer.

BACKGROUND: Medicaid expansion (ME) has contributed to transforming the United States healthcare system. However, its effect on palliative care of primary liver cancers remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ME and the receipt of palliative treatment in advanced-stage liver cancer. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stage IV hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were identified from the National Cancer Database and divided into pre-expansion (2010-2013) and postexpansion (2015-2019) cohorts. Logistic regression identified predictors of palliative treatment. Difference-in-difference (DID) analysis assessed changes in palliative care use between patients living in ME states and patients living in non-ME states. RESULTS: Among 12,516 patients, 4582 (36.6%) were diagnosed before expansion, and 7934 (63.6%) were diagnosed after expansion. Overall, rates of palliative treatment increased after ME (18.1% [pre-expansion] vs 22.3% [postexpansion]; P < .001) and are more pronounced among ME states. Before expansion, only cancer type and education attainment were associated with the receipt of palliative treatment. Conversely, after expansion, race, insurance, location, cancer type, and ME status (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.44; P = .018) were all associated with palliative care. Interestingly, the odds were higher if treatment involved receipt of pain management (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.23-2.43; P = .006). Adjusted DID analysis confirmed increased rates of palliative treatment among patients living in ME states relative to non-ME states (DID, 4.4%; 95% CI, 1.2-7.7; P = .008); however, racial disparities persist (White, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.4-9.8; P = .009; minority, 2.6; 95% CI, -2.5 to 7.6; P = .333). CONCLUSION: The implementation of ME contributed to increased rates of palliative treatment for patients residing in ME states after expansion. However, racial disparities persist even after ME, resulting in inequitable access to palliative care.